Dharmendra enthralls at PIFAA launch event in Toronto

Actress Neeru Bajwa and actor Dharmendra at the official launch of the PIFAA in Toronto

Canada’s favourite Bollywood icon was in Toronto and he managed to outshine a room that was packed with political leaders and corporate honchos, all gathered for the launch of the Punjabi International Film Academy Awards (PIFAA) that debuts in Toronto later this year.

As the brand ambassador of the awards, veteran Bollywood actor and a robust Punjabi, Dharmendra wooed the gathering with his humble and modest demeanor. “PIFAA is the first global event that will recognize the contribution of Punjabi artists to the film industry. I feel weighed down by the title assigned to me. There is a lot to be done in these months leading up to the awards weekend to make it a grand success”, said Dharmendra. His nonchalant yet charming style kept the audience enthralled as he signed off with a few sentences in Punjabi.

Seated alongside him was Om Puri, critically acclaimed Indian film actor who is also a patron of PIFAA and Neeru Bajwa, popular Punjabi actress who is born and raised in Canada. Om Puri added, “The awards will create a platform to identify and groom fresh Punjabi talent for the film industry. A contest will be announced shortly and the winners will star in a full-length feature film.”

Actor Om Puri is a patron of the first ever Punjabi International Film Academy Awards

The press conference was attended by Honorable Michael Chan, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Sports, Honorable Linda Jeffry, Minister of Labour and Minister Responsible for Seniors, and Honorable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport) amongst other political dignitaries.

The PIFAA function will be held at the Air Canada Centre on August 4, 2012. The awards weekend will comprise of several events across the GTA.